The Swiss IT provider has expanded its Eastern European footprint with the purchase of the Slovenian distributor.
The Ljubljana-based company is described as the “leading Slovenian distributors of software and IT equipment,” and works with products from OEMs including HP Inc.
As part of the transaction, ALSO has also acquired DISS’s two subsidiaries: VAD d.o.o., a specialized distributor of IT equipment and software produced by Dell, and Marmis d.o.o., a distributor of IBM’s software for medium-sized and large systems intended for the control of corporate security and business processes.
Founded in 1998, DISS in recent years has achieved above-average growth in its industry with sales activities focused around various vertical markets. DISS and its subsidiaries are especially oriented towards product lines, which require extensive pre-sales support and benefit from a strong focus on technical training. In 2017, the company employed about 70 people and earned revenues of €81 million ($94.9 million).
“The acquisition of DISS fits right into our portfolio policy with the objective to attain or hold the first or second market position in all countries where we operate,” said Gustavo Möller-Hergt, CEO of ALSO Holding AG. ALSO’s Consumptional Business offering will also be an important source of potential growth. With this step, ALSO is expanding and strengthening its presence in the region. We look forward to collaborating closely with the entire DISS team.”
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with one of the most successful end-to-end IT infrastructure and service providers of the world. With a strategic owner like this, we ensure that the Slovenian market and our partners will continue to have access to the latest information solutions. At the same time, possibilities for growth are opening up for the company as it gains access to new markets and new services,” said Boris Kikelj and Janko Jenko, the representatives of DISS’ sellers and long-term supervisory board members. They added: “We are excited about the future of DISS as we believe this transaction is beneficial for buyers, employees, suppliers as well as all other stakeholders.”
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval; the purchase price remains confidential, on agreement of ALSO and DISS.
